Men suspected of being in the U.S. without legal status are handcuffed outside of Delta Downs racetrack Tuesday, June 17, 2025, after a federal and state immigration enforcement operation. (Photo courtesy of Homeland Security Investigations)
Federal and state authorities made their presence known at a Calcasieu Parish horse racing track,apprehending 84 unauthorized migrants in a single day.
Racing and Raids: An Unlikely Combination
Authorities targeted businesses at Delta Downs near Vinton, focusing on employees and owners involved in horse racing.
- Eighty-four individuals where apprehended during the operation at Delta downs.
- The arrests were part of a worksite enforcement operation focused on immigration violations.
- Several individuals had prior criminal records.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed the arrests, which took place at the Delta Downs racetrack near vinton, Louisiana. The individuals were processed for administrative immigration violations.
The operation, which occurred on Tuesday, targeted businesses and their employees involved in horse racing at Delta Downs. The detainees were afterward transported to the U.S. Border Patrol station in Lake Charles.
Among those arrested was 36-year-old Enrique Gonzalez Moreno, a Mexican citizen with a history of illegal U.S. entry, including four prior instances. moreno also has a record that includes convictions for driving under the influence, cocaine possession, and illegal reentry.
ICE also took an unnamed 40-year-old man from mexico into custody who the agency said has previously been arrested for criminal conspiracy, aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon, sexual battery and video voyeurism.
- 36 years old, Mexican citizen
- Four prior instances of illegal U.S. entry
- Convictions for DUI, cocaine possession, and illegal reentry
Unnamed 40-year-old Mexican man:
- Arrested for criminal conspiracy
- Arrested for aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon
- Arrested for sexual battery
- Arrested for video voyeurism
Eric DeLaune, special agent in charge of ICE’s New Orleans Homeland Security Investigations office, said each case of unauthorized employment is being reviewed to determine if any other criminal activities were taking place, including labor exploitation.
“Oftentimes, when we’re conducting these worksite enforcement operations, we uncover other forms of criminal conduct such as document and benefit fraud, money laundering and human trafficking,” DeLaune said in the ICE statement.
Authorities received a tip indicating businesses at the racetrack’s stables were employing unauthorized workers,according to ICE. The facts was confirmed during a subsequent on-site visit.
Verification: Information confirmed during an on-site visit.
Agencies that took part in the Delta Downs operation included U.S. Border Patrol, Louisiana State police, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Lake Charles Police Department.
ICE said it planned to have an update on the disposition of these criminal cases once they are verified.
SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
“`html
The Complex Role of Immigration Enforcement
The recent actions at Delta Downs racetrack highlight the multifaceted role that immigration enforcement plays in the United States. While the primary focus,as stated by ICE,is to address administrative immigration violations and potential criminal activity at worksites,the ripple effects extend much further. The operation raises important questions about labor exploitation, human trafficking, and the broader impact on both individuals and the community.
The initial investigation, triggered by a tip, underscores the critical role of intelligence and community cooperation.This case, like others, demonstrates how enforcement operations can be viewed differently depending on oneS perspective, from concerns about public safety to debates about due process and the economic impact of immigration.
Understanding the Scope of Enforcement
Worksite enforcement operations, as seen at Delta Downs, are a key component of ICE’s efforts to enforce
Table of Contents
